March 17, 1979:
Thousands lined the streets of downtown Scranton on a overcast Saturday for the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Maurice Cawley, a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Association of Lackawanna County, told the Times that it seemed that the crowd was one of largest in the parade’s history.
The parade association awarded numerous honors to participants. Taking top honors for best float was AAA Motor Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania for “Safety in Driving.” The best overall drum and bugle corps went to Queen City Queens of Warwick, New York, while Pittston Area High School Marching Band was named best high school marching band. The honor for best high school twirlers went to Dunmore, and Miss Devilette of Old Forge High School was named best featured performer.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES A clown from the Irem Temple Shriners leads group of spectators in a rendition of an Irish song during a lull in Scranton’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1979.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES A young child watches with excitement as participants of the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade march by on March 17, 1969.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES Leah Cardone leads Judy’s Twirlettes as they march in the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1979.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES Legendary Irish baseball hero Casey of “Casey at the Bat” drives in style in the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scranton on March 17, 1979.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES A model of an Air Force F-111 heads through downtown Scranton in the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1979.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES Eileen Dougherty, a Western Wayne cheerleader, poses as she marches in the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1979.
TIMES-SHAMROCK ARCHIVES Drummers from the Scranton Progressive Center march in the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1979.
Images in this gallery and more are available for purchase at a our St. Patrick’s Parade Photo Store – http://thetimes-tribune.mycapture.com/mycapture/category.asp?CategoryID=66861
Brian Fulton has been the librarian at The Times-Tribune for the past 15 years. On his blog, Historically Hip, he writes about the great concerts, plays/musicals and celebrity happenings that have taken place throughout NEPA. He is also the co-host of the local history podcast, Historically Hip. He competed and was crowned grand champion on an episode of NPR quiz show “Ask Me Another.” Contact: bfulton@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9140; or @TTPagesPast